Monthly Archives: July 2011

Oh man, I’m so happy! It’s done; it’s in place; and it is GORGEOUS! I’m so insanely excited about how the sideboard turned out.  I definitely made some beginner mistakes, and it most certainly isn’t perfect, but I really don’t care because it still looks AMAZING!  You’d never guess I only paid $40 for it! SOOOO HAPPY!

The way it fits into the dining room is just amazing – and it perfectly accents the two etchings that have been passed down through the family for centuries.  They’re amazing pieces that I ended up with, and had them framed and properly tended to (I found an amazing framing guy when I was living in Los Angeles, and used him for all of our framing projects – even after we moved up to Oregon). I did some research on them, and it turns out that they were engraved by a famous British engraver named Francis Vivares, one of them in 1771, the other in 1769.  Pretty crazy.  I don’t think they’re worth a whole lot, especially since they’re not in perfect condition, but they’re definitely cool pieces.  And, as I’ve done more research, I’ve discovered that the View of Naples was once exhibited at the Smithsonian….aaah, I love treasures!

I found the round mirror at TJ Maxx for $60. I love my deals!

Next week I’ll be reorganizing the bar, and figuring out how to set it up so that it’s more organized and easily accessed.  Up until today, the coffee maker was stationed there, but I’ve moved that into the kitchen so that it’s more accessible.  Not sure what it needs, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

note Jeffrey's wood sign...a tribute to his college days. Yes, I have it hanging in my house. NO, I have no idea how I'll explain it to Ellie

My next big mission for this room is to find a table that isn’t destroyed (Jeffrey’s former 3 huskies decided to leave their marks on it).  I keep a tablecloth on it at all times, and we’re ready for something a little more grown up – and “ours.”  Plus, we need something bigger.  We host so many dinners here, and always have to squeeeeeeeeze in.  I’m sure something will come our way…I just need to keep my eyes open and my mind creative!

I like taking food and fresh picked flowers to friends when I visit – I like putting in the thought and time to share something that shows my appreciation!  I wouldn’t think of showing up to someone’s house empty handed – I guess it’s just the way my mother raised me.  I don’t, however, like having to deal with the back and forth of dishes or vases.  So, I buy vases at the Dollar Tree and leave them.  And I always have my eyes peeled for serving trays on clearance…mostly after the holidays.  I search for trays that have either plan edges or ones that can be adapted for any occassion.  I’ve found trays for as little as a dollar, and all the way down to $.25!  I stock up on them whenever I see them!

Of course, taking a Christmas platter to someone’s house in mid-July just doesn’t work.  So here’s my solution: scrapbook paper.  It works like a charm!

The paper and the tray

Trace the base of the tray onto the back side paper, then cut it out

Place in the bottom of the tray and Voila! (notice that it doesn't have to be a perfect fit, just push it on in and smooth out the edges)

I glued this one since it was slipping around

When using platter for "juicy" things like watermelon or berries, top the scrapbook paper with a layer of wax paper also cut to fit the base of the platter...it'll keep things from soaking through, but still shows off the paper